the great german-french “king of comic opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. the new musical...

24

Upload: others

Post on 15-Jul-2020

6 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques
Page 2: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

Student and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai began her campaign for education at age 11 after the Taliban took control of her town in Pakistan and banned girls from going to school. Malala spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to learn — and this made her a target.

At age 15, while returning home on the school bus, Malala was attacked by the Taliban for defending girls’ education. She recovered and continued her campaign to see every girl in school.

With her father Ziauddin, Malala founded Malala Fund to champion every girl’s right to 12 years of free, safe, quality education.

More than 130 million girls around the world are out of school today. Threats to girls’ education — like poverty, war and gender discrimination — differ between countries and communities. Malala Fund is breaking down the barriers that hold girls back.

Malala Fund believes local education activists like Malala and Ziauddin present the strongest challenges to systems, policies and priorities that keep girls out of school. By investing in the work of developing country advocates and educators, we are speeding up progress towards girls’ secondary education around the world.

The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,”

Jacques Offenbach

Music from Orpheus in the Underworld, Périchole, Belle Héléne, La Vie Parisienne, Grand Duchess, and Tales of Hoffmann

“CHER JACQUES!”

Starring Cast Members of LOoP!Special Invitation-Only Showcase Sunday, November 3

For details: www.kenmalucelli.com/jacques

Page 3: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques
Page 4: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

6149 SW Shattuck Rd. Portland

Informat ion: 503-251- 4332; www.nwsenior theat re.orgemail: nwsenior theat [email protected]

“Christmas is Just Around the Corner”“Christmas is Just Around the Corner”“Christmas is Just Around the Corner”

G O T S P A C E ?Light Opera of Portland is growing by leaps and bounds and

like any youngster, we’re growing out of everything! We hope you as a volunteer might be able to help us out.

We are in dire need of space; space to store our sets, space for rehearsal, and we could even use performance space

so that we can bring more performances to production.

Might you have a space to volunteer? If so, please contact us at lightoperaofportland.org.

Page 5: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

with music by Arthur Sullivan and libretto by W.S. Gilbert

Directed by Dennis Britten Music directed by Linda Smith

Costumes by Lucy Tait Set by Dennis Britten

Produced by David Smith

September 20 –29, 2019

Friday, Saturday 7:00 PM Saturday, Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM

Alpenrose Opera House 6149 Shattuck Rd.

Portland, OR 97221

Princess Ida or

Castle Adamant

Page 6: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

2

CASTKing Hildebrand ....................................................................... Laurence Cox

Hilarion (Hildebrand’s son) ......................................................Aaron Lange

Cyril (Hilarion’s friend) .......................................................... Carl Dahlquist

Florian (Hilarion’s friend) ..........................................................David Ridley

King Gama (Ida’s father) ........................................................... Ken Malucelli

Arac (Gama’s son) ............................................................James Montgomery

Guron (Gama’s son) ................................................................Lincoln Thomas

Scynthius (Gama’s son) ........................................................... Marcos Galvez

Princess Ida (Gama’s daughter) ....................................... Gabrielle Widman

Lady Blanche (Prof. of Abstract Science) ............................... Beatriz Abella

Lady Psyche (Prof. of Humanities) ..........................................Lindsey Lefler

Melissa (girl graduate) ............................................................ Mandee Light

Sacharissa (girl graduate) .................................................... Becca Stuhlbarg

Chloe (girl graduate) ........................................................... Marianne Sadée

Ada (girl graduate) .......................................................... Bryna Montgomery

Queen, (Hildebrand’s wife) ........................................................ Beth Kahlen

Women of the ensemble .....................Anne Kolibaba Larkin, Beatriz Abella, Becca Stuhlbarg, Beth Kahlen, Bryna Montgomery,

Cathrine Huard, Jan Rosenthal, Jaymie Sanfilippo-Sherrard, Lindsey Lefler, Mandee Light, Marianne Sadée

Men of the ensemble ...................... Bill Wuertz, Carl Dahlquist, David Ridley, Dennis Kelly, Harold Williams, James Montgomery,

Lincoln Thomas, Marcos Galvez, Michael McGee, Thomas McAulay

Page 7: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

3

ORCHESTRAMindy Lachner ........................................................................................ Flute

Thais Lomax ............................................................................................ Flute

Chelsi Arriola ..........................................................................................Oboe

Gary Condren ........................................................................................Cornet

Brian Haslanger .............................................................................. Trombone

Julianne Zane ...........................................................................................Cello

Yvette Starkey ..........................................................................................Piano

CREWDirector ......................................................................................Dennis Britten

Assistant Directors ......................................... Beth Kahlen and Laurence Cox

Musical Director ..................................................................... Dr. Linda Smith

Producer ....................................................................................... David Smith

Production Technical Director ............................................... Dennis Freeze

Stage Manager/Prop Master .................................................... Amy Barnhart

Dance Captain ......................................................................... Cathrine Huard

Lighting Design ........................................................................Dennis Britten

Lighting ....................................................................................... Ian McCarthy

House Manager ........................................................................... Chuck Weed

Accompanist .............................................................................. Yvette Starkey

Costume Designer .............................................................................Lucy Tait

Set ...............................................................................................Dennis Britten

Publicity ...................................................................................... Laurence Cox

Outreach ............................................................................. Gabrielle Widman

Membership ............................................................................ Dr. Linda Smith

Program and Web Site ............................................................... Sheryl Wood

Posters........................................................................................... David Smith

Logo ................................................................................................. Tony Smith

Page 8: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

4

MUSICAL SYNOPSIS by Ken Malucelli

Act I: The Court of King Hildebrand

“Search throughout the panorama”: All eagerly await the arrival of King Gama—and his daughter, Princess Ida, now 21, betrothed in infancy to Hildebrand’s son, Prince Hilarion, now 22. “Now hearken to my strict command”: Hildebrand will wage war with Gama if Ida is not with him now.“Ida was a twelvemonth-old”: Hilarion wonders how Ida may have changed in 20 years.“We are warriors three”: Ida’s war-like (and somewhat dopey) brothers arrive.“If you give me your attention”: Gama enters; displays his ill-tempered nature; insults the entire court; and tells all that Princess Ida has forsworn mankind and founded a women’s university!“P’raps if you address the lady”: Gama suggests Hilarion go fetch Ida and claim her, prompting Hildebrand to warn that, if she refuses him, he will storm the university and level its walls. “Expressive glances will be our lances”: But the lovesick Hilarion suggests a more romantic way to capture Ida.“For a month to dwell in a dungeon cell”: Gama and his sons are bound and forced to remain at Castle Hildebrand as hostages until Hilarion returns with Ida, his rightful bride.

Act II: Castle Adamant

”Towards the Empyrean heights”: Ida’s professors and pupils accept her belief that “Man is nature’s sole mistake!”“Minerva! Oh hear me”: Ida arrives and further convinces her charges that women are far superior to men. All then depart for classes.“Gently, gently”: Hilarion, with buddies Cyril and Florian, sneak in, find a schoolbook and…“They intend to send a wire to the moon!”: poke fun at the entire curriculum; then find some school robes and, again for the fun of it, rush off to try them on.“Come, Mighty Must”: Lady Blanche, returning for an ego trip, predicts that one day, via “The Mighty…Shall,” she will replace Ida as head of the university, then exits.“I am a maiden”: Hilarion, Cyril and Florian return and joke about being barely disguised, as:”The world is but a broken toy”: Ida, reentering, surprises them; whereupon they pose as maidens wishing to join the university. They are further surprised when she welcomes them.The final surprise: Lady Psyche reenters and Florian recognizes her as his long-lost sister! She takes them into her confidence, warns that they will face death if Ida discovers who they really are, then sings:“A lady fair of lineage high”: to demonstrate Ida’s (and Darwin’s) view that man is only “a monkey, shaved!”

Page 9: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

5

“The woman of the wisest wit”: Melissa, one of the students, who has unexpectedly overheard Psyche’s confidence, becomes smitten with Florian, the first man she has ever seen, and vows to uphold the secret.“Now, wouldn’t you like to rule the roast?”: Melissa convinces Blanche, who has not fallen for the men’s disguises, to keep their secret, because when Hilarion succeeds in capturing Ida’s heart, resulting in Ida’s divesting herself of her anti-man credo, Blanche shall then rule the university.“Merrily rings the luncheon bell”: During lunch, while Ida quizzes the disguised Hilarion, whom she still believes to be a young maiden, about what sort of person the real Prince Hilarion is, Cyril, having become a bit drunk, sings: “Would you know the kind of maid”: and upsets the apple cart by giving away the true identity of the three men.

Ida, horrified that her sacred walls have been invaded by “man monsters,” rushes to escape, but trips and falls into the river.

“Oh joy, our chief is saved”: Hilarion dives in to rescue her, but Ida, incensed beyond belief, condemns the three to death.“Whom thou hast chained”: Hilarion tells Ida that, without her love, he’d gladly welcome death.She is moved by his eloquence and makes a tender gesture towards him, when: “Madam…An arméd band”: Melissa, shocked by the sudden appearance of King Hildebrand and his warriors, warns the others.“Some years ago”: Hildebrand reminds Ida she is bound by contract to marry Hilarion and, if she refuses, her brothers will be put to death!“To yield at once”: Ida’s defiant response is that she would rather die than be Hilarion’s bride!

A chaotic stand-off ends the act.

Act III

“Death to the invader!”: The students, at first fierce and militant, reveal their true nature: “Please, you, do not hurt us!”“I built upon a rock”: Ida, appalled and annoyed by her students’ lack of courage, swears to fight the battle herself.“Whene’er I spoke sarcastic joke”: Gama, still in chains from being arrested and held hostage, tells Ida that Hildebrand is loathe to battle women, then explains how he’s been tortured…by having “nothing whatever to grumble at!”

He then suggests that her three strong, brave (and stupid) brothers fight Hilarion, Cyril and Florian, and that Ida’s post-battle future will be decided by which team of three are victorious. Ida reluctantly agrees.“Oh, I love the jolly rattle…This helmet, I suppose”: After Hilarion, Cyril and Florian, still in women’s clothes, are brought in and ridiculed by Gama, his three dull-witted sons prepare for battle…by removing their bulky, cumbersome armor!”It is our duty”: The two teams commence swordfighting, but Ida intervenes by knocking everyone’s weapons away.“With joy abiding”: Finally revealing she has indeed grown to love Hilarion, Ida brings the opera to a flowery, romantic—and highly satisfactory—ending for all.

Page 10: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

6

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORI think you in the audience will notice that in Princess Ida Gilbert has taken on a handful of topical issues at which to poke fun with his superb wit, issues still popular in debate today.

Perhaps the most obvious is equality of the sexes, which today is still moving only with glacial speed toward acceptance and women’s education, which in Gilbert’s day was having its bare beginnings. His rather light amused humor is gentle and more of poking fun at those who, in his day, took a much more heated view of it. Thank heaven, at least in our part of the world it has known acceptance and much advancement; but in other parts of the world it is not the case. Thanks to the courage and hard work of a few, like the Malala Fund and its goal of increasing access to secondary education to girls around the world who may not otherwise have the chance to go to school, that is changing.

If you here tonight hear the call to help with that change, we here at LOoP! have made it possible and easy for you to donate to that fund. We hope you will. Thank you!

Another theme of Princess Ida, less obvious if one gets swept up in the romantic plot, is the ancient debate on whether the answer to world problems is in battle or discourse. Of course there is plenty of humor, almost to the point of slapstick, aimed at the dim-witted warrior brothers of Ida; but the whole spine of the play shows the futility of Hildebrand bringing in soldiers and interrupting the logical conclusion brought on by his son Hilarion’s declaration of love for Ida. It seems Gilbert was a very early advocate of peaceful discourse rather than war.

Gilbert gives us a lot to think about while we listen to Sullivan’s gorgeous music. His was a voice way ahead of its time and indeed, both Gilbert and Sullivan show their profound concern in one of the most beautiful songs of their collaboration, “The World is But a Broken Toy.”

Dennis Britten, Artistic Director

Page 11: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

CAST BIOSAARON LANGE (Hilarion)Aaron Douglas Lange (tenor) is happy to make his return to Portland’s musical scene in LOOP’s production of Princess Ida. Growing up in Gresham, Aaron began his musical journey singing in many choirs throughout middle and high school. Under the study of Dr. Harry Baechtel, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University in 2016, and continued his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music. His most recent credits include chorus work with Portland Opera, Giasone in Luigi Cherubini’s rarely done opera, Medea, Don Basilio in Le nozze di Figaro, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Ferrando in Cosí fan tutte.

AMY BARNHART (Stage Manager/Prop Master)Amy has appeared on stage in several theatrical productions and musicals, such as “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Little Women,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” After moving to Oregon and joining the Light Opera of Portland in July 2017, she worked as the stage manager and prop master for “The Gondoliers,” “The Student Prince,” “The Outer Space Mikado,” and the world premiere of “We Met in Moscow.” Amy is always excited to share LOoP’s revelry and entertainment with her friends and family, and looks forward to another spectacular Gilbert & Sullivan production of “Princess Ida.”

ANNE KOLIBABA LARKIN (Ensemble)Anne Kolibaba Larkin worked backstage for LOoP’s production of The Gondoliers as part of the costume crew. She then worked onstage in The Student Prince as a singer and dancer. Anne has also performed for Mock’s Crest, Broadway Rose, Lakewood, and other local theater companies. She serves as a cantor at St. Philip Neri and All Saints Catholic churches and is a member of the Laurelhurst Dance Club. As a first grader, she was plucked from the masses for a role in the 8th grade play, A Telephone Call to Heaven. Reviews were mixed.

BEATRIZ ABELLA (Lady Blanche, Ensemble)BEATRIZ ABELLA, mezzo-soprano, received a B.A. in Music from Southern Oregon University and multiple scholarships including the E. Mulling Music Scholarship, Lee Mulling Music Scholarship, Diversity Scholarship, and Sherita Vlach Music Scholarship. She was accepted into the Brava! Opera Theatre and Jim M. Collier Young Artist Program as well as Seattle’s Lyric Opera Northwest’s Musical Theatre and Opera Workshops. Beatriz was also a semi-finalist in the Y.E.S. Foundation of the Arts’ Stewart Brady Competition in San Francisco. Awards include Grand Winner of the National Young Musicians Showcase Competition, for which she performed in the Winners’ Recital in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. After winning First Prize with her duet partner Mandee Light in the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition, Beatriz returned to Carnegie hall with Ms. Light where they subsequently won the Best Performance Award. Beatriz has performed in various locations – from Alaska to the Oregon Cabaret Theatre and European countries; Beatriz was also fortunate to have her international solo debut concert hosted by the University of Guanajuato in Guanajuato, Mexico. She was cast in Camelot Theatre’s “South Pacific” as Bloody Mary, for which she was given that season’s Best Character Actress Award. She was also well-reviewed in their

Page 12: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

8

production of “Mary Poppins” as Miss Andrew, and was their Music Director in Annie Get Your Gun. New to the Portland area, she was a chorus member in Mock’s Crest Opera’s “Yeomen of the Guard” and an ensemble member in Light Opera of Portland’s “The Outer Space Mikado.”

BECCA STUHLBARG (Sacharissa, Ensemble)Rebecca Stuhlbarg, soprano, is an active classical singer and singer-songwriter based in Portland, Oregon – her voice has been described as warm, richly expressive, and agile. Her repertoire includes baroque, classical and modern opera and art songs, as well as musical theater. She has sung with Opera San Jose, gives frequent voice recitals, and has recently sung with the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland as well as Light Opera of Portland. Most recently Rebecca has been seen in the role of Princess Margaret in LOoP’s production of the Student Prince. She also starred as Casilda in The Gondoliers, and portrayed the title role of Iolanthe. She holds an M.A. in voice from University of California, Santa Cruz, and currently studies with Nancy Olson Chatalas while also maintaining her own voice studio. For more information, please visit: www.rebeccastuhlbarg.com

BETH KAHLEN (Queen, Asst. Director)Beth Kahlen, mezzo-soprano, has worked with numerous production companies throughout her many years on the stage. She enjoys a varied repertoire from light opera to jazz and popular music. Beth received her BS in Speech Communication with concentrations in vocal performance, broadcasting and acting. She maintains a studio working with singers, speakers, presenters and performers of many styles and abilities. She especially enjoys working to find truth and power in the individual voice.

BILL WUERTZ (Ensemble)Bill Wuertz made his theatrical debut in 1961 as the Harvest Moon in Mrs. Wolfe’s third grade class play “The House of the Witch’s Hat.” After a fifty-seven year hiatus he returned to the stage as Dr. Engel in LOoP’s production of “The Student Prince.” Other roles with LOoP include The Emperor of Zhartan in “The Outer Space Mikado of Planet Pitiyu” and Marat Khabibullov in “We Met in Moscow.” For much of his life Bill has sung in church, school and community choirs including the last several years with the Oregon Chorale. Thank you Dennis Britten and LOoP for another opportunity to be part of such a talented ensemble.

BRYNA MONTGOMERY (Ada, Ensemble) Bryna Montgomery has performed with Portland Opera, Mock’s Crest, Clackamas Rep, Broadway Rose, Lakewood Theater, Mt. Hood Rep, Sylvia’s, Slocum House, and Theater in the Grove. Bryna can next be seen this November in NW Senior Theater’s production, CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

CARL DAHLQUIST(Cyril, Ensemble)Carl Dahlquist is happy to be returning to LOoP for Princess Ida. You may have seen Carl in previous LOoP productions, maybe playing Co-Co in Mikado, Van Asterberg in The Student Prince, or as a member of the ensemble in The Gondoliers, Pirates of Penzance, and Ruddigore. Carl wants to thank the whole cast and crew for all they have done to create such a fun piece of theater.

Page 13: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

9

CATHRINE HUARD (Ensemble, Dance Captain)Cathrine Huard is fairly new to Light Opera of Portland, and to musical theater in general. She has spent the last few years performing A Capella music, studying music theory and in her spare time, she and her husband have been raising a family (for fun, but not much profit). She is a devotee of music from the 30’s and 40’s and when she grows up she wants to be a girl singer with a big band.

DAVID RIDLEY (Florian, Ensemble)David’s adventures in theatre have lasted just under four decades. He recently retired from a 30-year teaching career where he has taught, what else, theatre.

His most beloved G&S stage roles include Captain Corcoran, Ralph Rackstraw, and Bill Bobstay in separate productions of HMS Pinafore, which he has also directed. Other productions include roles in Iolanthe, The Pirates of Penzance and The Gondoliers.

He has performed on other stages as well, having played Matt in The Fantasticks, Jonathan Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Jonathan Preachum in The Three-Penny Opera, The Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress, Otto Von Bruno in Bullshot Crummond, and most recently, Lloyd Dallas in Noises Off.

He has a BA in Theatre from Lewis and Clark College and an Ed.M from Oregon State University. He is grateful to Dennis and Linda for this opportunity. As always, he credits his wife Jillane and daughter Emma for their support and continued encouragement.

DENNIS BRITTEN (Director, Set)Dennis was a member of the Lamplighters, the oldest Gilbert & Sullivan company in America now in its 67th year of production, before relocating to NYC where he spent 26 years in professional theatre as a singer, actor, director, playwright and studying as well as teaching both there and in Europe. Among his favorite roles in NY are Prince Karl Franz in the Light Opera of Manhattan’s “The Student Prince,” Mr. T and 105 in the original cast of “Promenade” with Madeline Kahn, and as soloist for three years at Radio City Music Hall as well as Carnegie Hall with his own one-man show, “Evening of American Song.” He also toured with the NY tour of “My Fair Lady” as Freddy Einsford Hill. Some of his favored directing credits are a production of Leonard Melfi’s “Niagara Falls” and his own “If Wishes Were Horses” both in NYC, “Camelot,” with Beaverton Civic Theatre and many productions with his company, Phoenix Show Space Theatre (PSST!) in Arizona. As a teacher, he headed the voice department at American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC and was a theatre arts professor at Arizona State University. This is Mr. Britten’s eighth season directing Light Opera of Portland, which he founded in 2012.

DENNIS FREEZE (Production Technical Director)Dennis has helped build, deploy, and work the sets on “Iolanthe,” “Pirates of Penzance,” “The Gondoliers,” “The Student Prince,” “The Outer Space Mikado,” and “We Met in Moscow.” He also serves on the LOoP Board and takes a lot of pictures.

Page 14: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

10

DENNIS KELLY (Ensemble)Dennis is a veteran of the theatre. His roles include: Cornelius Hackle (Hello Dolly), Nanki Poo (The Mikado), Melchior (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Marco (The Gondoliers), and Marcellus Washburn (The Music Man). Other shows include: Sweeny Todd, Evita, Kismet, A Chorus Line, Anything Goes, Carousel and Trial By Jury, many with Portland Civic Theatre, The Musical Company as well as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum and The Crucible with Beaverton Civic Theatre. He has a BS in Vocal Music Performance and an Associates Degree in Accounting. Dennis works in accounting and lives with his wife, Marsha, and has raised four boys, who are all in the performing arts.

DAVID SMITH (Producer, Posters)David Smith started playing piano and singing in church at a young age. While getting a degree in classical guitar he played lute in college collegium and was Tenorio in “Man of La Mancha.” This act of seduction was followed by being seduced into the bit mines (software development) from which he is just now emerging. David has an extensive business background and has produced the last six Light Opera of Portland shows, as well as being the president of the organization. David spends his time studying classical and baroque guitar, renaissance and baroque lute, theorbo and making classical guitars. David lives in Beaverton with Linda, the music director.

GABRIELLE WIDMAN (Princess Ida, Outreach)Last seen as Maria and Susannah in LOoP’s world premiere show, “We Met in Moscow”, Gabrielle also played Gretchen in “The Student Prince.” Besides being a member of LOoP, Gabrielle has also worked with other theatrical organizations around town. Last year she was seen playing the infamous Maddy Monroe in “Tony and Tina’s Wedding” for the Mask & Mirror theatre company. In addition to performing, native Oregonian Gabrielle, is also an eclectic artist and teacher. Participating in the annual “Fertile Ground Festival” in Portland as an instant playwright two consecutive years in a row, Gabrielle also directed her own plays. While journeying across the country as well as overseas for several years to originally pursue an operatic career, Gabrielle spent time teaching, acting, writing and directing. Later, while living in Los Angeles, she co-wrote and directed an original children’s musical as well as created her own original rock band. Since returning home, she’s written, directed and produced 2 solo shows and several short plays. Gabrielle is thrilled to have been given the title role of Princess Ida and is extremely grateful to the artistic director, cast and crew of LOoP for this opportunity as well as all their hard work!

HAROLD WILLIAMS (Ensemble)Harold joined the Light Opera of Portland playing trombone in the orchestra for “The Student Prince” and “The Mikado” and sang in the chorus for “We Met in Moscow.” He has sung for 5 years with Vox Academy’s Healing Voices Choir and currently sings with the Vancouver Bravo Chorale, which is currently will perform Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” and Brubeck’s “La Fiesta de la Posada” for the Christmas season. He plays trombone with the Vancouver Community Concert Band. He performs as the Ukulele Crooner (https://eharoldw.wixsite.com/ukulele-crooner) in retirement homes where his delight in the Great American Songbook and early to mid-century Jazz standards are well received.

Page 15: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

11

JAMES MONTGOMERY (Arac, Ensemble)James Montgomery made his first appearance for LOoP, but is no stranger to Northwest audiences. The veteran performer has appeared on many stages across the country, touring in Once Upon A Mattress, Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Music Man and others. In Portland, he portrayed the brutal Frank Maurrant in Kurt Weill’s Street Scene and has sung in Portland Opera’s Turandot, Der Fliegende Hollander and Don Carlo. He has appeared in over seventy area productions at such venues as Lakewood Theatre, Broadway Rose, Mt. Hood Rep, Firehouse Theatre, and Mock’s Crest among many others. Favorite roles include Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, and Abner Dillon in 42nd Street. James recently played Tom Sawyer in The Boys in Autumn for American Reader’s Theatre, Mr. Laurence in the musical Little Women, Judge Roan/Old Soldier in the acclaimed staged production of Parade, Fogarty in Chicago, and The Chairman in The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

JAN ROSENTHAL (Ensemble)After 40 years performing in the classroom, Jan has continued to perform on stage throughout Portland and Vancouver. Memorable roles among the 80+ she has done include Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit, Mrs. Savage in Curious Savage, Mother Superior in Nunsense, 10 children’s shows for Broadway Rose, Mother of the Bride in Tony and Tina’s Wedding, God in Coffee with God, and Tzeitel, Golda and Yenta in separate productions of Fiddler. Highlights include performing for Queen Elizabeth in Ottawa and a turn as NASCAR Granny in a Dick Hannah KIA commercial. She dedicates this show to her wonderful family.

JAYMIE SANFILIPPO-SHERRARD (Ensemble)Jaymie is very excited to be in her second production with LOoP. A classically trained soprano from Northern California, her vocal credits span from Broadway musicals, to light operas, to a Dickens Christmas caroling group. She would like to give a special thanks to her loving husband, supportive friends, patient voice coach, and beloved fur-babies.

KEN MALUCELLI (King Gama)Ken Malucelli, 18-year veteran of San Francisco Opera (Prof. Chor., feature roles) and 8-year veteran of SF’s famed Lamplighters (tenor leads, support roles, script writer), has also directed G&S with other companies (Mikado, thrice; Pinafore, twice; Princess Ida, twice; Pirates) and written, produced and directed his own G&S revue, Savoy Express, which toured the U.S. fine arts presenters market, 2002-2008. Favorite G&S roles: Alexis; Tolloller; Rackstraw; Ko-Ko; Bunthorne; Duke of Plaza-Toro; Florian; Pish-Tush; Judge; Counsel; and of course, snarky old Gama. Visit kenmalucelli.com.

LAURENCE COX (King Hildebrand, Asst. Director, Publicity)Laurence originally hails from the United Kingdom, and now lives in Hillsboro with his wife (and inspiration) Lindsey, and their three children, Lily, Jordyn, and Logan. His past roles with Light Opera Of Portland include Robin Oakapple in ‘Ruddigore’, Strephon in ‘Iolanthe’, the Police Sergeant in ‘Pirates of Penzance’, Don Alhambra, the Grand Inquisitor in ‘The Gondoliers’, Pooh-bah in ‘The Mikado’, and Dick Deadeye in ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’. Other favourite roles include King Arthur in ‘Monty Python’s Spamalot’,

Page 16: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

12

and Judge Turpin in ‘Sweeney Todd’. He has performed with Mock’s Crest as Wilfred Shadbolt in their 2019 production of ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’, and Old Adam in 2016’s ‘Ruddigore’. He appeared as the Pirate King with Portland Phoenix Choir’s 2019 production of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, and played the Pirate King, Samuel, and Police Sergeant for Opera On Tap PDX’s 2018 children’s production of Pirates.

LINCOLN THOMAS (Guron, Ensemble)Lincoln Thomas has previously been in productions of “Yeoman of the Guard,” “HMS Pinafore,” and “Pirates of Penzance” with Mock’s Crest Opera, and was thrilled to join LOoP for “The Outer Space Mikado of Planet Pitiyu,” adding to his G&S Bucket List. Perhaps most notably, he has had the opportunity to play both of the “mates” in separate productions of “HMS Pinafore.” He is excited to play onstage with LOoP again in “We Met in Moscow,” his first involvement in a theatrical world premiere. During December, Lincoln was a Dickens Caroler. During the day, Lincoln is a stay-at-home-parent to a wonderful two year old, and should be finishing his Civil Engineering degree at PSU in June. Sometimes on weekends, he plays disc golf rather well. Love to Margaret and Nolan.

DR. LINDA SMITH (Music Director, Membership)“Linda Smith’s varied and well-played … program … is straight stuff. What makes her [compact] disc special is the inclusion of Samuel Barber’s Piano Sonata. Smith handles it all comfortably …” (Willamette Week) Dr. Smith is known for her colorful musical interpretation, sincere warmth, and solid technique. She earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts in Music History from the University of California in Riverside, and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Central Michigan University.

Her activities have encompassed touring as a solo keyboard artist, touring with an actor in a two-woman show she commissioned entitled “Composers in Skirts” which features six women composers from the last three centuries, teaching, and collaborative performance. She has recently done collaborative keyboard work with several local groups, including the Oregon Chorale and Beaverton Civic Theatre, which has allowed her to exercise her vocal skills as well.

LINDSEY LEFLER (Lady Psyche, Ensemble)Lindsey is a classically trained soprano with a BME and a minor in theatrical performance. She has been a principal soprano with LOoP since 2014 where she has performed the roles of Yum-Yum (Mikado), Kathie (The Student Prince), Gianetta (Gondoliers), Mabel (Pirates), Phyllis (Iolanthe), Josephine (HMS Pinafore), Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), First Bridesmaid (Trial by Jury) and Eleanora Andreevna in the world premiere of “We met in Moscow.” Lindsey was awarded Best Vocalist of 2017 by ApplauseNW. She also teaches private voice, and directs the Prelude Choirs for Westside Youth Choir in Hillsboro where she lives with her husband, Laurence, and three children -Lily, Jordyn and Logan. She would like to thank her family for their continued support!

Page 17: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

13

LUCY TAIT (Costume Designer)Lucy is retired but continues to work – just without pay! She has assisted with costumes for many productions, most recently “Evita” in Corvallis, whle also in the cast. Lucy is a long time member of the Oregon Chorale. Singing is a passion, but she assisted with costumes for staged productions by the Chorale over the years. Creating costumes for “The Gondoliers” reminded her that costuming is another passion she forgot she had.

MANDEE LIGHT (Melissa, Ensemble)Mandee Light graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Oregon University with a BA in Vocal Performance in 2013. Mandee was a frequent soloist throughout the Rogue Valley, being featured in the Southern Oregon University Concert and Chamber Choirs, the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, and the Rogue Valley Chorale. Throughout her time in the valley she was actively involved in Brava! Opera and Rogue Opera. In 2011, she won the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition along with a best performance award with mezzo soprano, Beatriz Abella. In January of 2011, she studied music in Vienna, Austria. Mandee has studied privately with Ellie Murray, Laurie Hunter, and Maria Droulou. Mandee currently sings with LOoP and the Oregon Chorale.

MARIANNE SADÉE (Chloe, Ensemble)Marianne Sadée has sung in concert and staged works in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Oregon, Austria and Italy. She received her Master of Arts in Music from the University of Iowa. Marianne has performed as a soloist with Oregon East Symphony & Chorale where she sang Handel’s Messiah. Her debut with Portland State University Performing Arts was as soloist for a movie screening of Jewish Luck. She regularly sings concerts with Opera on Tap Portland and participates as a soloist in Opera in the Honor’s Bar. For the last two years, she has sung with Portland Opera Chorus in their Big Night Concert. Marianne made her debut with Mock’s Crest Productions in 2019 in Yeomen of the Guard. She is making her Light Opera of Portland debut as Chloe in Princess Ida! For more information please visit mariannesadee.com.

MICHAEL MCGEE (Ensemble)Michael is excited to be returning to the LOoP stage. Thank you Dennis, Linda, David, and Kevin. He grew up in Clackamas, and got hooked on musicals when he was cast as Lt. Joe Cable in his high school production of “South Pacific.” After a long hiatus, Michael returned to musicals in 2013. Since returning he has performed in “Les Miserables,””Music Man,” “Carousel,” “Chicago,” “Children of Eden,” “The Gondoliers,” “Annie,” and four shows for Northwest Seniors Theater. He is honored to be working with this amazing cast and artistic crew. He would like to give a huge thanks to his family, friends, teachers, fellow students, cast and crew for encouragement and support.

THOMAS MCAULAY (Ensemble)Thomas McAulay is an emerging creative artist and actor in Portland, with a degree in Performance from Lewis and Clark College. He began acting in 3rd grade as a local magistrate in “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” but is happy to report climbing through the ranks in the interim (or should we say… descending), appearing in Portland Opera’s Faust as a silent but deadly agent of Mephistopheles last year. Additionally, over the past few years, he has worked with Experience Theatre Project, Portland Musical Theatre Company, New Century Players, and Masque Alfresco. He is excited for what comes next.

Page 18: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

THANK YOU

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Dennis Freeze for photography

City of Beaverton for rehearsal space

Brother’s Bookkeeping for setting up and managing our books

Alpenrose for providing the Opera House

St. Andrews Lutheran Church for rehearsal space

Carl Dahlquist for arranging rehearsal space

Set and Banner Design and Construction

David Ridley, Dennis Britten, Phyllis Fort, Cathrine Marrone Huard

Costume Design and Construction

Ann Herman, Anne Hubble, Anne Kolibaba Larkin, Aurea Taylor, Barbara Berger, Beth Kahlen, Cynthia Mintun, Maggie Patterson,

Marguerite Kendall, Sandra King

14

YOUR DONATIONThe Light Opera of Portland is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Please donate to help us continue providing excellent light opera.

LOoP depends on the generous donations of our friends and patrons to support our ongoing efforts of providing high-quality, entertaining light opera productions.

Whether you made the suggested donation upon entering or choose to add to your donation upon exiting, be assured your contribution is helping this young theatre

company bring you more of the fun of treasured theatre works in the future.

Please let us know particularly if you are able to help by donating space to store our sets, rehearsal space, or performance space.

Thank you for your help.

Page 19: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

LOoP! DONORS

2019

Grand Dukes & Duchesses John and Argentina Erdman, Robert L. Ladehoff

Baronets & Bridesmaids Anne Hanchek, Catherine Keith, Elizabeth Jolly, Janice Rosenthal,

Carol A. Santesson, Jay G. Stanford, Harold and Maya Williams

Dragoons & Little Maids Frieda Pardo, Robert & Sue Pearson, Brian Phillips, Roberta Taussig

2018

Fairy Queens & Pirate Kings Ralph Bunch

Grand Dukes & Duchesses Argentina & John Erdman

Baronets & Bridesmaids Mark Altstetter, Richard Bekey, Paul Crable

Dragoons & Little Maids Carolyn & Patrick Brunett, Carl Dahlquist, Delores Day, Frieda Pardo, Sonya Pinney, Patricia Reading, Jo Ann & Ric Tower, Peter Vennewitz,

Homewatch CareGivers of Portland

2017

Fairy Queens & Pirate Kings Dennis Britten, David & Linda Smith

Princes & Princesses David & Jillane Onasch

Lords & Lady Chancellors Helen’s Pacific Costumers

Baronets & Bridesmaids Catherine Huard

Dragoons & Little Maids Anonymous, Phyllis Fort, Wanda Silverman

Page 20: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques
Page 21: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques
Page 22: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques

Holistic Voice Lessonsand Vocal Yoga Classes

With Becca

www.rebeccastuhlbarg.com

“Follow” on IG:@beccastuhlbarg

“Like” on Facebook:SingFree Vocal Yoga

[email protected]

Interested in featuring an ad in our next program? Let’s talk!

[email protected] · 503.753.8417

Page 23: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques
Page 24: the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” · 2019-12-09 · the world. The new musical biography on the the life of the great German-French “King of Comic Opera,” Jacques